NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: NPR Vol.4(4) [July-August 2005]

Home remedies for skin care in Unani System of medicine

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Home remedies for skin care in Unani System of medicine

Authors: Jamal, Anwar; Siddiqui, Aisha; Ali, Syed Mehtab

Abstract: The concept of beauty especially for females, having desire to look beautiful, charming and young by different beauty ways, using various herbs, are the things, which are known since centuries. In fact, the concept of beauty and cosmetics is as old as mankind and civilization, which prove not only women but men also adorned themselves with jewellery, scents and cosmetics. The use of turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.), saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.), etc. for bodily-decorations; sandal surkh (Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.), Sandal Safaid (Santalum album Linn.) for beautification and henna (Lawsonia inermis Linn.) for dying hair in different colours and conditioning was also practiced in the olden times. Different ingredient(s) and techniques for making face powder, perfumed powder and ubtan (cleaning paste) are used to make natural cosmetics at home. In Unani System of Medicine there are several home remedies, which can be used in routine for beautification and protection of face and skin from various problems. Some of them have been given in this paper.

Page(s): 339-340

Aroma oils as cosmeceuticals

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Aroma oils as cosmeceuticals

Authors: Gowthamarajan, K; Kulkarni, GT; Subburaju, T

Abstract: Aroma oils, also known as essential oils are the highly concentrated extracts from plants, herbs and flowers. They exhibit calming, stimulating, pain alleviating and mood enhancing effects and improve the functionality of internal organs, like heart, lungs, etc. Essential oils are important components of cosmetics. Recently, cosmeceuticals are becoming popular throughout the world. In American market, all the cosmetics and toiletries are now being named as cosmeceuticals, as they claim to have therapeutic effect along with their effect on skin and hairs as cosmetic also. This article highlights the cosmeceutical applications of essential oils.

Page(s): 335-338

Herbal remedies for acne

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Herbal remedies for acne

Authors: Kumar, S Mahesh; Chandrasekar, MJN; Nanjan, MJ; Suresh, B

Abstract: Acne represents a significant challenge to dermatologists because of its prevalence, complexity and range of clinical expression. It is the single most common skin disease affecting 85% of teenage boys and 80% of teenage girls and can continue throughout adulthood. Treatment of acne with topical and systemic allopathic medicines results in mild to severe side effects. Hence, herbs and herbal preparations play a significant role as alternative line of treatment. This article describes the commonly used herbs in the treatment of acne

Page(s): 328-334

Cosmeceutical applications of Aloe gel

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Cosmeceutical applications of Aloe gel

Authors: Devi, Radha; Y, Madhusudan Rao

Abstract: Aloe vera is considered as a cosmeceutical herb i. e. a blend of cosmetic and pharmaceutical product. The gel from its leaves finds a wide range of cosmetic and therapeutic applications which include anti-wrinkle creams, moisturizers, sunscreens, haircare products and wound healing, treatment of burns, frostbite, inflammation, diabetes and cancer. It is also used as protective against radiation exposure and as antimicrobial agent. The present article discusses the chemistry, cosmetic and medicinal applications of Aloe gel and its adverse effects.

Page(s): 322-327